Pam and I are over the moon about our latest time capsule house — a 1960 time capsule Storybook Ranch house in Dedham, Mass. — thanks to reader Jason on our Facebook Page for this awesome tip! Yes, we call this style “Storybook Ranch” or “Cinderella Ranch” — we adore them. But what’s extra special about this one is that it’s on the East Coast, which we think is pretty rare; we tend to think Cindy’s were mostly a west coast phenom, although Pam spotted this one in Pittsfield, Mass. Back to today’s time capsule, just by looking at the front of the house, you can guess that the inside is also going to be something special. And yes, it does not disappoint — let’s step inside and take the tour — 42 photos in all!
The rounded decorative shrubs mimic the round stones that make up the edge of the property and act as friendly guardians over this lovely house.
After moving past the wall of greenery, it is as if we are transported into a magical mid century land. Look at the cheery aqua awnings and shutters complete with decorative cut outs of horse drawn carriages that dress up the neutral stone facade.
From the listing:
Come see this 8 Room/2 bath custom Ranch where Mad Men meets Greenlodge! Inlaid slate and marble floors with radiant heat. Vermont Quartz fireplace and accent walls in living and family rooms. Stained glass windows, beamed ceilings in huge great room. Oversize lot designed for entertaining. Updated windows, 3 zone heat and 200 amp electric 1 car garage. New roof.
- Price: $349,900
- Year built: 1960
- Square feet: 2,354
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
I should note that I spoke with the listing agent — Diane Capodilupo from ReMax Real Estate – who told us that this house received a tremendous response, and that there is already a buyer lined up. Thanks, Diane, for giving us permission to add these delicious photos to our archive of time capsule houses.
A gorgeous front porch — stone wall, decorative concrete block, colorful hanging light, charming entry door with rounded windows and stained glass side panel. It appears that the floor of the front porch is random pattern slate. We also want the cast iron bench, please!
The random slate floor continues to the entryway and through the house. We wonder whether beautiful stone wall with niche and built-in ledges was designed to hold religious items. Remember this time capsule (also a romantic revival “storybook” style) – that’s what its niches were for.
There is so much texture, natural materials and interest in the living room — the generous size and high ceilings give it a very grand feeling. Is that wood wall… pieced together in squares? It look like it! Pam interjects here: I love lOvE LOVE this house!!!!
Another great aspect of this room’s design — that fabulous picture window — framed with smaller rectangles to make an interesting geometric pattern that repeats the shapes of the stone and slate throughout the room.
Pam noticed the gorgeous monochromatic landscape wall mural in the dining room right away.
You can still get authentic wallpaper murals like this — very old skool designs — from Thibaut today. One of the Thibaut designs — might be this one. What do you think?
There are so many wonderful details in this house — such as the scalloped trim over the doorways. In the dining room, it is marble to match the floors and other trim.
However, on the kitchen side — the trim matches the wooden cabinets. Do I spy a vintage built in microwave?
Other details in this terrific vintage kitchen — yellow laminate counter tops, avocado green sink, scalloped open shelving, a pass through and more of the random slate flooring that meanders through the house.
Yes, you can still get random color slate today, too.
The skylight in this den is amazing — large enough to let in oodles of natural light and even framed in the same wood paneling that is on the walls in the room.
The built in desk and adjacent laundry room.
Okay, so now here’s the really good part: A gothic, story book sitting room. Assuming the carpet is not smelly, would you keep it? Pam says she would.
See our two stories on the bedrooms at the Madonna Inn.
Reader Amanda over on our Facebook page reminded us that these rooms look like some of the bedrooms at the Madonna Inn. Yes! We meant to add that. We have to stories, get your eyeballs ready:
- The wonderful bedrooms at the Madonna Inn, in California.
- More fantastic storybook bedrooms at the Madonna Inn.
Even the built in cabinet and doorways are dog eared. The wall mounted fireplace — complete with a crest of armor — finishes off the room nicely. This is one stylin’ house!
The window seat in this room is such a great detail — it allows for all the built in storage space on either side and below — as well as what must be a wonderful place to keep house plants or get a view of the landscaping outside.
Love the scallop trim.
Here is another bathroom — made up of the same greenish marble and slate flooring that is found in other parts of the house. The angled vanity maximizes every bit of space.
Metallic wallpaper? We think so — it is hard to get metallics to photograph. Also, we spy an intercom system box on the wall.
Here in the master bedroom — there is another wall paper mural. The bed looks lovely, wish we could see more of the headboard.
More metallic wallpaper in the attached master bathroom?
Love it! Go big, or go home.
Notice how the small sink vanity is covered in laminate.
There is also a second sink for the lady of the house and her Stuff.
Outside in the back of the house, the same carefully planned landscaping is present.
Charming curved walkways and patios fill the space and provide places to stop, relax and take in the garden.
The barbecue is fantastic.
What I assume is a potting shed seems built-in to the hedge and is even sided and painted to match the main house.
Every self-respecting Storybook Ranch needs a wishing well.
What a fabulous mid century time capsule house — every square inch of the inside and outside have been thoughtfully designed and appear to have been impeccably maintained. Let’s hope the new owners appreciate the charming mid century character and attention to detail that is very much alive and well in this gem of a time capsule house.
Special thanks to photographer Demetri Papoulidis from Demetri Productions, LLC for allowing us to use his beautiful photos of this property.
Want to see more stories about Storybook Ranch houses:
- 1953 ad showing charming storybook ranch house.
- Dovecotes in storybook ranch houses.
- The storybook ranch I spotted in Pittsfield.
- Carrie’s California Cindy.
- Quite a few Cindy’s in TikiLisa’s slide show.
To see the photos from this house tour twice as large, view our slide show below.
Tips to view slide show: Click on first image… it will enlarge and you can also read my captions… move forward or back via arrows below the photo… you can start or stop at any image:
Um…..WOW. It’s like some magical storybook house but with a funky twist. I’d keep every bit of it – including the red carpet (after I had it cleaned within an inch of it’s life). If I lived there, I’d invite complete strangers in off of the street just to show it off.
There is so much to love about this house! I hope the buyer uses a light touch should she/he decide to do renovation.
The textures! The colors! This place is a true timecapsule. The only updates that I can see are the fridge, dishwasher, and sitting room fans. What a find!
My cousin’s husband shared this with me a few weeks ago as we are considered the retro black sheep of my family.
We love vintage, while the rest of my extended family prefers newer. They’ve been trying to get us to move to Massachusetts, and while this was really tempting, we prefer the more temperate climate of the mid-Atlantic. But now, I REALLY want an electric fireplace with a coat of arms! 
YES!!! (Elec fireplace w/ coat of arms — how kitsch is that?!) ;D
OMG! If this was my house, I’d go out and spend whatever it took to get the most amazing, over-the-top, perfect Moss lamp for that entryway niche!
I absolutely love this house and the wishing well sealed the deal for me.
I love that slate flooring! We have it in our entryway of our 1963 coolonial. And, I actually added some to my office basement that matches the entryway slate. And, the new slate looks just like the old slate!
I wouldn’t have guessed this was a 1960 house. 1968, maybe! While I like the stone walls and slate flooring, I think this one is a bit dark and too…carpeted…for my tastes.
this is possibly the most breathtaking house I have ever seen.
In my neck of the woods, a few houses like that are found in a particular part of town with a strong Italian influence. Generally modest homes, these were found adorned to the hilt with very high end materials and flawless craftsmanship, and impeccably maintained. All this totally over the top..meant one thing…Capice! Love the fireplace outside, and the sanctuary nook by the door, can imagine so many “uses”. Could just see a crucifix or madonna on it. Willing to bet there’s a secret compartment behind it. Just guessing, of course.
I tend to think that house had an attached garage that was closed in at one point. Looking at that large bay window with the driveway right up against it screams former garage to me. Wonder if they closed it in to make that groovy paneled room in the later 60′s.
Yup, I’m in total agreement about the closed in garage. That was my first thought when I saw the exterior shots. The panelling is different from the rest of the house and it has that YOWZA!! red carpet instead of the slate.
[GASP!] Dying over here! I could live in just the entrance… WOW!
I wonder if that niche could have housed a fountain– wouldn’t that be dramatic?
Do you think the green marble is original? I’m not sure why, but to me that seems more 80s than 60s, but maybe in person it looks different.
This may be the most charming time capsule you’ve ever featured!
The marble may in fact be original. Here in Boston, one of our famous skyscrapers, The Prudential Building (ca. 1964) originally featured a Brass and Green Marble lobby. It has since been replaced, but if you travel to the lower level parking, the original marble and brass is untouched.
Also, I was able to locate an image of the original marble if anybody is interested:
http://www.cardcow.com/233222/lobby-at-prudential-center-boston-massachusetts/
Don’t get me wrong – I love the use of marble in buildings like the Prudential Center (I haven’t seen it in years – it’s a shame they redid it) but I don’t like it in residential applications. I love slate and brick – the more “rustic” stones – but marble just seems too cold for a home. Just a matter of taste.
I was visualizing a water fountain there, too, Michael! That master bathroom is amazing with the two sinks! Go big or go home is right!!!
I just have no adequate words. This place is like an MCM amusement park. I agree with about the later 60′s addition. Wouldn’t it be great to see the street card on this one?
Just glorious.
When I saw that marble in the Dining Room, I prepared myself mentally for some dreadful kitchen remuddling, but no – it’s an absolutely wonderful house. (except for the marble Dining Room
Oh, and I would SO keep that red carpeting!
This house is crazy cool. I’d keep that eyepoping carpeting!
Wow, this place is CRAZY! I’m amazed as to how much detail and craftsmanship has been thrown into this place. I’m sure if there were any children that grew up here they must have felt like princes and/or princesses! Also, the previous owners HAD to have been in the stone/marble business!
In regards to the mural, It wouldn’t shock me if it were actually painted on the wall. I have friends over in East Longmeadow who have a similar mural painted on the wall of their Midcentury Modest.
I’m a bit speechless. On the one hand, I’m totally stoked that someone would keep the house in such pristine condition but on the other hand, it’s a little over the top for my tastes. There are elements that I really like – the slate floors, the sunken living room, the amazing entryway – but it’s just so dark and overwhelming. It’s the sort of house you’re either going to be hot or cold over. I’m pretty cold.
But – I LOVE the exterior (minus the bay window where the garage used to be). What is that siding called? Love it! And I love. love, love the “gumdrop” trees!
Totally agree about the fountain in the front niche and the attached garage turned rec room. I used to have an apartment that was decorated similarly (red/black shag and dark brown paneling) and it had a similar fountain in a niche corner.
I would consider moving to the East coast for a home like this.
This home is absolutely amazing as-is. Just incredible.
I’m in love with that pink bathroom! I wouldn’t change a thing!
WOW what a great house! There are two Storybook ranches that I know of where I live in Tennessee. Perhaps they are not rare on the east coast but rather they have yet to be rediscovered on the east coast. East Coasters keep your eyes peeled!
I have 750 SQ feet of the exact same red shag carpet saved from my mother’s old family home. I couldn’t part with it and the new owners didn’t want it.
Wow! What a stunner. I really love the huge grounds too but those rounded shrubs. Every attention to detail has been made here, and it’s so well kept! The listing price seems like a bargain especially for all the stone and marble. I love the original carpets, and the purple wallpaper in the bathroom! Thanks for sharing!
I found this house on RedFin right after it was posted… if only we were closer to buying, we’d be the ones with the offer lined up. What a fun place – though I would update some of the features, its charm is unmistakable!
Nice home, but not a true “Cinderella”. They came out of SoCal by a designer/developer named Jean (Jene) Valjean Vandruff, who along w/ his brother Shannon, came up w/ the “Cinderella” tract home idea after building a few one-off custom “Storybook Ranches” in the Los Angeles metro area. They built a few of the original Cinderellas, but the demand was so high that they “franchised” out the designs to local hungry developers all over the western U.S. I live in one of the first of these “franchised” tracts, built, 200+ homes constructed between 1956 & 1958 (mine was the 8th home built in ’56) in L.A. Based on their success, the “Storybook Ranch” movement spread like wildfire, w/ architects & developers nationwide trying to mirror the frenzy. BTW, Mr J V Vandruff is alive & well at the ripe young age of 90 or 91…
So what is the difference between a Cinderella and a Storybook?
Pam,
Mr Vandruff coined the term “Cinderella”. His company was called Cinderella Homes, I’m assuming he got a license on the name. Our tract was called “Cinderella Estates”, another around the corner from me (different builder) was “Cinderella Square”. The “Storybook Ranch” style preceded them, but they took it a step further from custom homes to tract homes & started the trend. So only a Vandruff-designed home is a true “Cinderella”… I guess the catchy name just stuck to anything “Storybook”…
Ok, I understand, I think. Thanks!
No prob.
I loved that style of house when I lived in L.A. It would be great to get an interview with Mr. Vandruff.
Ana,
I’ve been in touch w/ him several times — He has an autobiographical website. He basically recalls mostly what can be found there. If you search online, you’re bound to find it. Very interesting fellow — lived a “full life” if you know what I mean. I’m in process of a period restoration on our Cinderella…
My guess is that the niche held a Venus di Milo style rain lamp.
I LOVE the 1962 part.The newer part (early 70′s?), not so much. I am guessing that is when the kitchen was updated, too. The yard is amazing. I hope whoever the buyer is appreciates what they have!
I think Sherree is right about a possible update to the kitchen mid to late 70′s. The cabinets have that 70′s colonial vibe and the Amerock Carriage House hardware is easy to date. My house c1978 has the switchplate and outlet covers and cabinet hardware in this pattern. I feel the homeowners may have made some updates over the years but were very careful to stay true to the house and use the best materials in the process.
Beautiful.
rick
Wow! Sooo, many details for the eye to take in!! So many textures, patterns . . never a dull moment yet, it all flows together! Love the detailing of the paneling, the window seats and trim work; really gives it character. The carpet speaks for itself. I would keep it too!
Whoever buys it will not need a lawnmower–just a heavy duty set of clippers!
This looks like something straight out of “Goodfellas”…
Love it! This is one where I wish we new the back story of the house… who lived there, what they did for a living, what items/furniture they had where. Wouldn’t you just love to see some photos from a cocktail party thrown at this house?!
In Oklahoma City, they are referred to as Hansel and Gretels. My neighborhood is full of them. All built in the early 60′s.
Makes sense! So cool to hear that’s what they are called where you live.
Looks like one of the first microwaves; an Amana Radarange. Perry Mason’s secretary Della Street (real name escapes me) did commercials for Amana. The house/landscaping is too busy for me, but do like the picture window, green marble, mural, to name a few, but that’d be a tough DIY yard to keep maintained.
Barbara Hale. My late aunt looked exactly like her.
I would treat the glorious shag like the vintage textiles they are – off to the rug restorer who will give it a good bath – then have the best part bound to make a coffee table rug. Since they have radiant heat – the under pad is probably shot, so bring on the slate.
Our Campinelli development here in eastern MA has a slab ranch model called ‘woodlands’ replete with the wavy shingles, diamond mullions on the windows and a ski slope roofline to the ground – as kids we called it the chalet house – there were alot of gnomes and flamingoes in the landscapes back in the 60′s!
Yup! I love that shag!
I had that carpet in orange and yellow shag in my basement, which flooded badly while we were under contract. It stank and and the backing was rotten and crumbling. We had great (but clashing) red and gray lino underneath, but a contractor destroyed that, too. I still have nightmares about my decision to yank it. And wish I would have at least thought to try and save some for a rug. Sigh.
Out neighborhood was an airport until the land was sold to developers in 1959. The airport manager lived in our house. Our basement is also outfitted with a professional projection booth, a large movie screen and in-wall speakers. We’ve determined that there’s a possibility they showed stag films there. It is said that such content more safely traveled the friendly skies via small planes, than the roadways, which were policed for smut trafficking.
Built in 1952, our ranch has a similar yard which spans an acre in Denver, but was way overgrown and parched when we got it. It has been a joy to recover the shapes and tenacious plantings that adorned the original landscape. And these photos will serve as more inspiration in Spring. Thanks!
What a story!
Good gravy Marie, that red-carpeted room is the bee’s knees. How wonderfully tacky and serious at the same time. I want that carpet in my house.
Yes, isn’t it!
I love the design of the house but not so crazy about the “dark” interior. A little depressing for my taste……I think it could be considered “60′s goth”…I just made that up:):)…I really enjoy viewing all time capsule homes:)….Kim
Whoa!! Looks like Liberace could have lived there! I can just visualize that white piano complete with candelabra in there somewhere!
Really cool details! Love the gothic sunroom (now there’s an oxymoron!) , the slate floors, and the exterior landscaping.
Stun.ning! Thanks for sharing this gem.
I saw an INCREDIBLE orange version of that fabulous fireplace (in the sitting room) in our local ReStore. Man, now I wish i’d bought it!
Looking for same in Alameda County, CA.
So interesting! But I have to admit that if I was walking through this house, I’d be groaning. Totally not my taste although I do appreciate the imagination put into it.
Hi Pam;
Thanks for showcasing this beautiful house. I wouldn’t change a thing. I think the picture #24 of the sitting area would really have been used as a sort of in house Tavern/Bar. I can imagine many little sitting areas and even a booth under that big window/seat. I think the carpet is red to match the back of the built in bar. My parents had a built in bar complete with a small dance floor, mural and sitting area in Ontario. In NS they had a moveable padded bar in the rec room. There was probably a dance party once a month. Those were the good old days. Thanks for bringing back fond memories.
Joan
Wouldn’t it be cool if we were able to read more about the history of the house. Things like who designed it, how they managed to keep it in it’s original state for all of those years..
Maude
I am interested in the wall mural Does anyone have any information on it? I am looking for something similar and am out of ideas of where to look or what else to loook at. Name? Pattern? Artist? Cataloge? 1960? 1970?
Stephanie, there are four still available from Thibaut, story here: http://retrorenovation.com/2011/03/08/4-wallpaper-mural-designs-from-thibaut-vintage-1960s/
Also these some up NOS vintage on ebay every now and then – although very very rarely, in my experience.